Intellectual discourse highlights women’s role in social transformation, combating drug addiction and strengthening community engagement
Srinagar: In a significant step towards empowering women and strengthening their role in social transformation, the Women’s Wing of Shehlat Foundation organised its first interactive session at Srinagar. The programme brought together women participants from different districts for an enriching exchange of ideas on pressing social issues, women’s empowerment, drug addiction and the responsibility of individuals in building a healthier and more just society.
The session stood out for its intellectual depth and thought-provoking deliberations, with two women volunteers presenting insightful perspectives on issues that directly affect families, communities and future generations. Their eloquent presentations left the participants deeply impressed and reinforced the importance of knowledge, awareness and active participation in addressing societal challenges.
Dr Shabeena Yaseen, Academic Officer, presented a sobering account of the condition of youth based on her field survey experiences. Narrating the painful realities confronting young people, she highlighted the growing challenge of drug addiction and its devastating consequences for individuals, families and society. She emphasised that the situation demands collective responsibility and urgent intervention, urging women and other concerned citizens to come forward to rescue future generations from the grip of drug addiction and other social menaces.
Miss Heena Khan, Telecom Officer, deliberated on the role and status of women in society with reference to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. She questioned the possibility of achieving genuine justice and meaningful social progress when nearly half of society remains inadequately involved in decision-making and community development. She stressed that women must be recognised as active stakeholders in the process of social upliftment rather than being confined to passive roles.
Highlighting the importance of effective upbringing, Miss Heena Khan advocated experiential learning over merely prescriptive approaches in homes, emphasising that values are best inculcated through personal example, practical engagement and everyday conduct. She also called upon women to embrace active volunteerism and contribute meaningfully to the welfare and development of their communities.
Muzamil Karim, Clinical Psychologist, emphasised the importance of acquiring knowledge and understanding the underlying causes of social problems before attempting to address them. He impressed upon the participants that informed and evidence-based approaches are essential for treating the social ailments afflicting society. He also underscored the need for greater participation of women in the social service sector, recognising their immense potential to bring about positive and lasting change.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Miss Shanaz, a teacher, followed by a Naat written and presented by Miss Irshada, another teacher. The session concluded with a Dua offered by Madam Suriya, seeking peace, prosperity and the well-being of society.
The proceedings were conducted by Advocate Laila Tu Nisa, whose effective moderation ensured a meaningful and engaging exchange of ideas throughout the programme.
In his concluding remarks, the Chairman of Shehlat Foundation expressed his gratitude to all the women participants who travelled from different districts to attend the inaugural session. He appreciated the speakers for their valuable contributions and acknowledged the enthusiasm and intellectual engagement demonstrated by the participants.
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful platforms for women to learn, deliberate, exchange experiences and participate actively in community development. He assured the gathering that similar intellectual and socially relevant programmes would be organised in every district to educate, inspire and empower daughters and sisters, enabling them to become confident voices and effective agents of social change.
The inaugural session marked an encouraging beginning for the Women’s Wing of Shehlat Foundation, reinforcing a powerful message: a society cannot achieve genuine progress by sidelining the potential of its women. Their knowledge, participation and leadership are indispensable to building a drug-free, just, compassionate and socially responsible society.
